European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described the recent season as a "summer of truth" due to the severe environmental disruptions experienced across the continent. Record-breaking heatwaves led to widespread forest fires, dried-up waterways, and significant infrastructure damage, including melted roads and distorted railway tracks. Beyond the environmental toll, which resulted in approximately 35,000 fatalities, the economic impact is estimated at €180 billion. This figure is expected to rise as the full consequences of crop failures and necessary infrastructure repairs become clearer. These events have intensified public calls for decisive political action on climate change, highlighting a perceived gap between the urgency of the crisis and the current response from European policymakers.
Source : The Guardian
Photo : The Guardian
